Vivek Ramaswamys bodyguard hit with federal drug trafficking charges over fentanyl and meth dealing allegations

Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s family bodyguard was arrested last week and hit with federal drug trafficking charges after authorities found pills containing fentanyl, methamphetamine and MDMA, as well as steroids, at the home he shared with his bodybuilder wife. Justin Salsburey, 43, and his wife, Ruthann Rankin, were taken into custody on Dec.30, following the execution of a search warrant that allegedly discovered a trove of illegal drugs – some stashed in nicotine pouch containers – at the couple’s home, jail records and court documents show. Salsburey was employed by a private security firm contracted by Ramaswamy’s family to provide protective services, a campaign spokesperson told The Post, noting that the family was “alarmed to hear this disturbing news.” “Upon being informed of this matter in recent days, the outside security firm immediately removed the individual from the security detail,” Connie Luck, a spokesperson for the Republican gubernatorial candidate, said.  “Prior to employment, the individual cleared multiple background checks conducted by the security company, as well as FBI and BCI background checks, most recently conducted by OSU Medical Center in September 2025,” Luck continued.

“In addition, the security firm subjects all security personnel to pre-employment drug screenings and random drug testing throughout employment, and this individual never failed a drug screening.“Vivek and his family take matters of safety seriously and support efforts to hold these individuals accountable for these allegations if they are proven.”Federal authorities caught wind of Salsburey’s and Rankin’s alleged drug dealing operation in November 2025, when postal inspectors in Columbus, Ohio received information from the Logan County Ohio Sheriff’s Office that the couple “was receiving shipments of bulk narcotics,” according to an affidavit filed by an inspector.The United States Postal Inspection Servic...